The programme is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction television show (50 years) in the world and is also a significant part of Britishpopular culture. It has been recognised for its imaginative stories, creative low-budget special effects during its original run, and pioneering use of electronic music (originally produced by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop). In the United Kingdom and elsewhere, the show has become a cult television favourite and has influenced generations of British television professionals, many of whom grew up watching the series. It has received recognition from critics and the public as one of the finest British television programmes, including the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2006.

The Doctor has been principally played by twelve actors. The transition from one actor to another is written into the plot of the show as regeneration, a life process of Time Lords through which the character of the Doctor takes on a new body and, to some extent, new personality, which occurs when sustaining injury which would be fatal to most other species. Although each portrayal is different, and on occasions the various incarnations have even met one another, they are all meant to be aspects of the same character. The Doctor is currently portrayed by Peter Capaldi, who took up the role after Matt Smith's final appearance in an episode broadcast on 25 December 2013.

Selected story

The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven land on an unknown planet which will soon die on which the hideous Rills with their Chumbley robots, and the Drahvins had crashlanded. The Drahvins try to enlist the Doctor's help to destroy the "evil" Rills, but who are the real villains?